How to become a Justice of the Peace

To become a Justice of the Peace, applicants must meet the following criteria

Be an Australian citizen by birth, descent or naturalisation.

Consent to confidential enquiries being made to determine suitability for appointment (this may include an interview by Tasmania Police).

Be enrolled as an elector for the State of Tasmania.

Be 18 years of age or over.

Not be an undischarged bankrupt.

Be able to competently carry out the duties of the office.

Not be convicted of any offences beyond minor traffic offences, subject to the discretion of the Attorney-General (an applicant should not have more than four minor traffic offences in the past ten years or more than one drink driving offence in the past five years - for any such offence the reading must not exceed 0.1%).

Not be a person engaged in any occupation or employment which could cause a conflict between their business or other interests and their duties and responsibilities as a Justice of the Peace.

Have successfully completed the Justice of the Peace Introductory Course undertaken by the Justices of the Peace Association of Tasmania.

Justices of the Peace will only be appointed if there is an identified need.

What happens next with my application

Applications are acknowledged and assessed by the Department of Justice.

Appointments are supported where they meet the needs criteria as established by Government, and the person is suitably qualified. Factors determining whether a request for appointment will be supported include

The existing number of Justices of the Peace in the community and their accessibility.

The existing number of ex-officio positions (eg State Service employees with more than 5 years service).

The applicants availability to witness documents.

The type of documents required to be regularly witnessed.

How will I know if my application was successful?

The Department of Justice will advise you of the outcome of your application.

Unsuccessful applicants will be provided with an explanation as to why their application was not supported.